I ended up going to the preschool meeting this morning instead of Alan. I was very impressed, once again, with how the school district handles special education. Since we were receiving Erin’s diagnosis at the end of last school year, we had to put off any recommendations until this year. Basically the school psychologist agreed that Erin qualified for the school district’s services under “orthopedic restrictions” or something to that affect. We went over what is needed to be done between now and Monday. Friday Alan will be going to the IEP meeting with the teacher.
I briefly went over the document that covered all the do’s and don’ts regarding Erin. The main thing I wanted to convey was to let her be a kid and not to worry too much about her falling. I re-read the document after sending it to the school and it scared me! Yes, Alan and I do panic when Erin falls but then we see that she’ll be alright. Same thing will happen at school. The teacher, nurse, and the OT/PT all asked great questions. The school district went through budget cuts last year. Part of what got cut was a full-time nurse at the schools. I think two schools share one nurse so she ends up alternating days. The nurse wanted to make sure that they had a system in place just in case there was an incident on a day she would be at the other school (very impressive!!).
I was able to visit the classroom. Erin took a second but then she went to play in the kitchen area. The class has a variety of seating options. I have no doubt Erin will find that one type that she’ll feel comfortable in. I was reassured that whatever Erin needs as in tools to help her with school, they will get it for her.
The IEP meeting is Friday. That’s when the teacher and Alan will outline the goals for the school year. One thing will be potty training. I am so relieved! She can’t really wipe herself and getting up on the toilet is scary. When I flip through the medical supply books, I don’t have a clue what I am looking at. I am sure between the school and Kate helping us, we’ll get her out of diapers soon.
Monday is the big day! She’ll hopefully be in the morning class b/c the teacher has one other girl and she’s in the morning class. Erin will be the seventh child in the class. I submitted the bus request today before I left the school, and requested a bus with a wheelchair lift (we’ll see what Transportation says). I have a packet of forms to fill out and I put in a request for a copy of Erin’s vaccination records. Phew! It’s going to be a great experience for Erin.
